NUNUM's Interview with Samuel Schwindt

NUNUM - Blending Flash Fiction & Art

Interview with ​Samuel Schwindt

Fresnel Leather Pleasure by Samuel Schwindt

Samuel, thank you for this. NUNUM is a literary journal, so, 

we're always interested in what people are reading, for curiousity's sake, what was the first book you remember picking and reading by yourself?

First book picked and read on my own? Yikes, that was long ago. There were so many books back then, the Giver, John Green books, and this series about a vampire (not Twilight) that I just devoured.

Vampires, a childhood staple. What about more recently, What was the last book you read that made you say damn that was a good book?​

I was really stunned by a

couple books recently. One was "The Tiger's Wife," by Téa Obreht, a stunning story about a young doctor dealing with the death of her grandfather, who told her stunning stories of the "deathless man" and the "tiger's wife." It was STUNNING. I'm thinking of making some work inspired by the Deathless Man. And then "The Uncertainty Principle" by Martin Herbert, a collection of art essays. 

And that's why I love that question, always get new authors to add to the reading list. 

Fresnel 7 by Samuel Schwindt

We have a running bet here at NUNUM, so please indulge me, pen, pencil or phone, which one do you reach for when you need to write something down?

Fresnel Chandelier by Samuel Schwindt

I feel like whenever I have a thought that needs to written

down it's when I'm walking, or on the train. Movement is key. So, my phone.

Okay, last one, you're on holiday, who are your go-to writers when you need something to read?

For a holiday? David Sedaris and Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie.

Alright, let's change directions. Contemporary artists, who do you most admire?

Obsessed with Mona Hatoum.

Interesting choice, let's zoom in. In Chicago, is there anyone you'd recommend people check out?

I have to say Andrea Carlson. Brilliant. Check her out. And I'm biased, because they are my mentors, but Stephanie Brooks and Dana Major 100% too.

Naturally, an artist is constantly evolving, who has had an influence on your current artistic direction?

Fresnel Whispers by Samuel Schwindt

Mark Bradford, Mona Hatoum, Robert Smithson, Rachel Harrison, Yayoi Kusama, Sarah Sze and more and more. 

Fresnel Mirror by Samuel Schwindt

Everyone has been at the beginning of their career, so I'm wondering, what advice would you give someone who is just starting to send their work out to journals?

Advice I'd give ... look for submission deadlines that are upcoming soon, and make sure to read as much as possible of stuff they've published. Sometimes you will find your work isn't a good fit, but sometimes it's worth it to submit anyway. Sometimes these journals need a little disruption.
​
Disruption, I like it. Curious again, favourite colour? 

Oh, yellow. yellow forever.

Dream materials to use?

I've been wanting to do this sculpture or installation for awhile from tire shreds. I drive from Indianapolis, where I was born, to Chicago several times a year and every time I see what are called "Road Gators". I want them. But pulling over on the highway to get them? Not there yet. 'I'll figure it out.

Samuel, again thank you for your time, last one, would you say you are political?

Recover (detail) ​by Samuel Schwindt

How can you not be political as an artist? Making is political.

The personal is political. I devour news every day. It's part of our job as artists, I think, to be informed.

Samuel Schwindt is a queer sculptor and researcher based in 

Samuel Schwindt

Chicago, IL. His work is light-activated installations and paintings, playing with phenomenology, the queer, and the uncanny. He is also a published essayist and journalist, with works ranging from personal stories, compelling contemporary art, and current events. Underlying all these works is a passion for storytelling, whether it’s through material manipulation or the contorting of words. 

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